Originally posted by Larry Bevand
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Thanks everyone. I would like to note one thing that I think is a major concern however. Canada sent 24 players, which was the 9th highest total. But we had 0 coaches and in couldn't even find a head of delegation for a while. I know that in the past that Canada had 1 coach,it's not enough but it's better than nothing. Similar countries in delegation size and chess strength sent at least 1 coach, if not more. The USCF sent 3 GM's and a few other coaches to accompany their 28 players. And the United States Chess Federation isn't rich by any standards, it is losing huge amounts of money every year but still does it's part for the youth team. I saw Australia with a couple coaches and some other weaker chess nations(as well as quite poor countries) with some as well. If Canada wants to compete internationally we need the resources for the players. I think that many of the players would have benefited had they had the same assistance as there opponents got. Canada has one of the highest standards of living in the world,so I almost found it embarassing that we couldn't get any coaches. Also needing a parent to volunteer to act as head of delegation was also a shock. Dr. Sohal did a great job, but we should be able to field a proper delegation without scrambling to find someone to volunteer. I noticed the CFC had no money to pay for the olympiad team, but it set up a fund for people to donate to send the players to Germany.Why not do something similar for the kids? If they want to support youth chess, they should be doing the same. Most of the players didn't get funding and had to pay a large amount for themselves and a parent to go. Bringing a personal coach is too expensive, so the only chance is for team coaches. The CFC should be organizing ways to raise money to get the proper things for Canada to be able to perform it's best at international tournaments. I think Canada has been missing some big opportunities to improve its youth chess, and I hope that in future years the problems will be rectified.
Well, that's the end of my rant. I still had the best time of my life and hope to go back next year. I'd like to thank everyone for making it a memorable trip!


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